Did you know that dirty solar panels can lose up to 25% efficiency!

Every once in a while, you’ll need to remove the dust from the surface of your solar panels.

Solar panels are installed on your roof, not easy to reach, we tend to postpone it. Yet it is important to remove anything that may block sunlight from reaching the photovoltaic cells.

There are two convenient ways you can get the dust off your solar energy panel’s surface. The first is to wash and spray the panels, CWC can install this system to automatically clean your solar panels, optimizing the efficiency of your solar panels year after year. Using low-volume spray nozzles, connected to each panel, an existing water supply with a programmable controller. Why can’t I just let the rain clean them for me you ask? Rain cannot sufficiently clean the built up dirt and dust off your panels any more than it will get your car squeaky clean. The system uses a specially-formulated, neutral biodegradable soap concentrate that is mixed into the water line during wash cycles. A second rinse follows the wash cycle leaving your solar panels shiny and clean. While washing your solar panels, you may find that the energy output will improve greatly, way beyond the maximum, and then settles at a new high. This is because solar cells are cooled down as the system sprays water on them, thus their efficiency increases.

After they’re warmed up again, their efficiency settles at a higher level than before as more sunlight reach the solar cells.

Using our high reach pure water fed high reach pole system is another way to have your solar panels cleaned. It will reach and clean even the most difficult solar panels.

This glass house from Arquitectura X was created to mimic the feel of unlimited space. The living areas open out visually onto wherever the house sits, making the house itself feel expansive.

A glass house found in Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen exemplifies modern “architecture without architects.” It appears to be literally all window. (Photo by seier+seier)

It’s more common to see glass houses around the ocean, especially in warm locales, where you get beautiful views year round. The downside is cleaning the salt spray off of all those windows, though presumably if you have a glass house like this one, you will need a window cleaner.

Philip Johnson’s Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut was Johnson’s own residence. As glass houses go, this one is superlative.

The beauty of glass houses, of course, is that they let the outside in without actually letting the outside in. In tropical climes or mountainous areas or in the woods, having a glass house is one of the best ways to appreciate nature’s splendor. (Photo by Ah Hman)

Which one do you like?

A regular Picassoap: Jose Urias first discovered he had a natural talent for art in elementary school. Combining his artistic ability with his career as a window washer occurred 20 years later. “When I was in second grade, I discovered I could draw,” Urias said. “the teacher asked us to draw a picture of a ship in this book. mine ended up looking just like the one in the book.” Urias started drawing more but never made a career or serious hobby out of it. after jobs in construction, gardening and maintenance, Urias was offered a job at the Vintage Club in Indian Wells as a window washer. the Indio resident jumped at the opportunity.

“they taught me how to use a squeegee,” said Urias, who found that the squeegee could be used for more than cleaning off the soapy mixtures. it also could be his “brush” for soapy window art creations. “the Vintage has 83 windows around the pool,” Urias said. “I found that it entertained me and the people and kids watching me to make different pictures in every window.” Using a solution of dishwashing soap and alcohol and two different sized squeegees, Urias creates hummingbirds, dinosaurs, ships, sea horses, faces (Dick Tracy is a favorite), butterflies and more.

“I started doing this about four years ago to keep kids from putting their hands on the windows,” Urias said. “I soon discovered I could draw anything in the soap. … I take requests, and people bring their grandkids to watch and take pictures.” there is a real technique to drawing in soap, Urias said. “you have to hurry before the water starts coming down. “I love it when they applaud. I tell them I will give them the sun and the moon, and I do.”
Why did you choose this business? In 1985, I jumped from being a maintenance man to being a window washer, which paid more.
What makes your business special in the valley? I have never seen a window washer draw.
What would you be doing if you had another career? I never thought I’d be a window washer or an artist.
How do you enjoy your time away from work? I work eight hours, plus side jobs, so I don’t have much free time. But I do enjoy doing things with my family.

Level 1 Basic. Able to operate, under supervision, on various systems
Level 2 Basic Supervisor. Able design, setup and operate simple vertical systems
Level 3 Advanced. Capable of designing, supervising and operating at all levels of involvement of these systems

This Level is intended to prepare candidates for Level I certification.

A successful candidate should be capable of performing a range of rope access tasks required by his or her employer, under the direct supervision of a more experienced Technician (level 2 & level 3) This course will introduce some concepts beyond those required.

After training all Level 1s should be competent to complete the following:

* Inspect and comment on rope access rigging, anchors, knots and equipment
* Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for working on roofs.
* Demonstrate an understanding of the Industrial Rope Access code.
* Demonstrate an understanding of Australia/New Zealand Standard AS/NZ 4488.2:1997 Industrial Rope Access Systems Part 2: Selection, use and maintenance
*Ability to demonstrate tying a Figure 8, alphine butterfly and double fishermans knot
*Identify and comment on potential hazards encountered when rope access is used on a worksite.
*Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for public protection when working at height.

All operators should be competent to complete the following safely, maintaining a minimum of two points of contact at all times:

* Acend using ascenders and back up device
* Descend using descender and back up device
* Contact retrieval of unconscious or injured workmate from descender
* Ascend past knot in working rope
* Ascend past knot in safety rope
* Descened past knot in working rope
* Descened past knot in safety rope

No formal qualifications required. Applicants should have an adequate knowledge of the English language to work safely. Competency Qualification can only be issued to those 18 years and over.

Participants will be asked to perform moderate to strenuous activities. A physical examination by a doctor is strongly recommended. Candidates will be required to sign a Liability Release Form and a Statement of Medical Condition confirming the absence of known medical conditions that might preclude their ability to safely work at height.

This Level is intended to prepare candidates for Level 2 certification.

The aim of the course is to give training in the safe operation of Industrial Rope Access to Level 2, for the purpose of inspections and maintenance of high-rise structures.

A successful outcome will enable Level 2′s to work in a supporting role to Level 3 supervisors on complex work sites.

In addition to being competent in all aspects of the Level 1 requirements candidates should also be competent to

* Prepare an implement a risk assessment and Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
* Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Industry Code
* Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of worksite organisation
* Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of equipment usage and maintenance

All operators should be competent to complete the following safely, maintaining a minimum of two points of contact at all times

* Demonstrate rigging ropes using a selection of anchors and equipment
* Demonstrate hauling and lowering systems
* Demonstrate retrieval of unconscious or injured workmate from ascending gear
* Demonstrate long rope transfer using 2 back up devices
* Demonstrate horizontal traversing

Applicants should have an adequate knowledge of the English language to work safely. Before submitting for a Level 2 course and/or assessment, the candidate should be able to prove the following:

• Holder of existing Level 1 qualification
• Demonstrate 500 hours of relevant rope access experience and at least 6 months within the industry.

Participants will be asked to perform moderate to strenuous activities.

Senior first aid certificate is required. A physical examination by a doctor is strongly recommended. Candidates will be required to sign a Liability Release Form and a Statement of Medical Condition confirming the absence of known medical conditions that might preclude their ability to safely work at height.

This Level is intended to prepare candidates for Level 3 Technician certification.

This Level is an advanced qualification that is required for a team leader where complex works such as traverses, lead climbing, work over water, confined spaces are required.

A successful outcome will enable Level 3′s to carry ultimate responsibility for a job site.

In addition to being competent in all aspects of the Level 1 & Level 2 requirements candidates should also be competent to

* Complete written paper detailing complete project and regulatory requirements in industry work/task of their choice e.g urban, confined space, electrical, etc.
* Demonstrate good management, supervision and communication skills
* Demonstrate advanced rigging techniques using a selection of anchors and equipment in various work situations
* Demonstrate haul/cross haul/lowering of a load (could include workmate)
* Demonstrate retrieval of unconscious or injured workmate from awkward access/lead climbing in various work situations
* Demonstrate horizontal and vertical lead climbing

Candidates seeking certification to Level 3 Technician must have appropriate previous industrial rope access experience (current requirements are 500 hours and be a experienced Level 2 in a wide variety of work sites). Participants will be asked to perform moderate to strenuous activities.

Senior first aid certificate is required. A physical examination by a doctor is strongly recommended. Candidates will be required to sign a Liability Release Form and a Statement of Medical Condition confirming the absence of known medical conditions that might preclude their ability to safely work at height.

I love cleaning windows! I’m always in a new location, talking to people along the way, working in a low stress environment, unless your scared of heights?, finishing off with a good workout for the day! Their are however certain skills that can be picked up fast for someone who is good with their hands and has a keen eye for detail. Their are a few facts you may want to consider:

Job Requirements

Clean glass surfaces by applying and removing cleaning solutions or solvents

Assemble and dismantle ladders, scaffolding and other support equipment

Use ladders, and other equipment (such as Poles 4 stories high, rope skills, abseiling, swinging scaffolds, bosun’s chairs, hydraulic bucket trucks, cherry pickers and hoist systems) to reach windows in multi-storey buildings

Perform minor repairs on equipment

Clean stone walls, metal surfaces, fascias and window frames.

School subjects that include some aspect of physical education provide a useful background to these jobs.

Job Demands

These jobs involve the daily handling of substances which may cause irritation to skin, eyes, etc., and may aggravate dermatitis or other medical conditions. Jobs that require handling of chemical or greasy items are excluded.

Jobs are generally performed in an unusually hot, cold or humid environment, so may be unsuitable for people who have diabetes or other conditions aggravated by extremes of temperature or humidity. Occupation health safety guidelines are exercised under extreme conditions.

If you have a problem with possums thundering around in your roof, keeping you awake at night,  then there are some things you need to know.

1. Possums come and go. They leave your roof sometime after dark and return in the morning just before dawn.
2. During the day they just sleep. You may hear some movement where they sleep but usually you don’t hear them during the day.
3. They are very territorial and will defend their territory from other possums who may wander in, this will wake you!
4. They prefer to be in your roof than in a box in the tree, but if the only option left for them, then a possum box looks pretty good

What to do when you hear noises in your roof?

The FIRST thing you must do is to ensure that it’s a possum and not a rat. IF you suspect you have possums and are sure you have rats. Don’t throw out rat bait in the ceiling and think it will be alright. Always make 100% certain that there’s no possum in your roof space before you throw out any rat bait. Possums will eat it and it will kill them. It’s a terrible death too.

When you are sure it’s possums

What you can do is to find the entry hole and block it up, AFTER the POSSUM are OUT!

And provide a large box for them to stay in on one of your trees. I have an example below.

Are you Happy? This blog page gives direct insight into the true source of being happy. “The key to a fulfilling life does not lie in a bulging bank balance. In fact, being rich, popular and influential is the least likely way to find contentment,” according to new research by psychologists.

Factors That Contribute to Happiness
Love moves others to love you in return.
Joy gives you the strength to cope with challenges.
Peace helps you to keep your relationships free of strife.
Long-suffering enables you to stay happy even when you are under trial.
Kindness draws others to you.
Goodness on your part makes others respond when you need help.
Faith will assure you of God’s loving direction.
Mildness will bring you calmness of heart, mind, and body.
Self-control means that your mistakes will be fewer.

Galatians 5:22,23

In a nutshell: Cultivate and apply “the factors that contribute” To being happy.

Though window protection and window cleaner skill are vital to ensuring a quality finished product, no amount of these can overcome low-quality windows. In recent years, low-quality tempered glass has become a major source of scratched glass. Window manufacturers ultimately make the decision on the quality of the glass they install in their windows, and should therefore conduct constant quality inspections to insure only quality, blemish-free tempered glass is being used.

What is tempered glass (commonly known as heat treated glass)?

Tempered glass is glass specifically designed for use in areas with a high risk of contact and breakage. When broken, tempered glass breaks into very small pieces, making it safer than annealed glass. It is 4-5 times stronger than annealed glass, and can withstand more wind, heat, and impact before breaking.

Where is tempered glass used?

In residential applications, there are certain areas that require the use of tempered glass. The more common locations are listed below. For the specific requirements in your area, check your local building codes.

• All doors (sliding-glass, French, and patio).
• Side windows within 24 in. of an opening or door.
• Stair landing windows within 4 ft. of the floor.
• Bathroom windows, within 5 ft. of the floor.
• All windows within 18 in. of the floor.
• All tub and shower enclosures.

Facts about Tempered Glass

• Tempered glass is no harder or softer than annealed (non-tempered) glass.
• The entire glass pane is tempered from surface to surface and both sides are equal in hardness.
• The exterior surfaces of tempered glass are in compression and the center is in tension.
• Surfaces of tempered glass are not changed as a result of the tempering process. Tempered glass is no more porous than annealed glass.
• Every piece of tempered glass must have a permanent stamp or logo to signify it is tempered glass. However, there are no standards which regulate which surface of the glass is to receive the stamp or where the stamp is to be placed on the surface. Tempering stamps can face in or out on an insulated glass unit.
• There is no standard or regulation requiring tempered glass to be washed or clean prior to tempering.

Myths about Tempered Glass

• Tempered glass scratches easier than non-tempered glass.
• Tempered glass surfaces are different than annealed glass surfaces.
• Tempered glass stamp or logo is located in the same location on all windows.
• Tempered glass is only tempered on one side.

Fabricating Procedure for Tempered Glass

The fabrication of tempered glass can be broken up into 4 major steps: sizing, edging, washing, and tempering. The details of each step are listed below.

Sizing the glass

The first step in the process of manufacturing tempered glass is to cut a piece of annealed glass to the desired size. The sizing of the glass must take place before the tempering process because attempted cutting of tempered glass with result in breakage.

Edging the glass

Once the sample is cut to the desired size, it is necessary to seam the edges of the glass. This is normally done with a diamond wheel grinder or sander, and results in a piece of glass with squared off and smooth edges.

Washing the glass

The sizing and edging work done in the previous steps generates fabricating debris which is deposited over the entire surface of the glass. For this reason, all glass should be washed prior to entering the tempering furnace. If this debris is not completely washed off prior to the glass entering the tempering furnace, the remaining debris will be fused to the glass, resulting in a surface defect. This is by far the major cause of scratching on defetive tempered glass.

Tempering the glass

With the piece of glass sized, ground, and washed clean, it is ready for the actual tempering procedure. In this step, the glass is heated in a tempering furnace to approximately 1200°F. The glass is then removed from the furnace and immediately quenched with cold air, reducing the temperature of the glass to 400-600°F. This quenching produces the temper.

Most common types of tempering furnaces

There are three basic types of tempering furnaces most commonly used in the fabrication of tempered glass. The first and oldest of the three types positions the glass vertically (held by metal tongs) as it moves through the furnace. The second and most common furnace style in use today has the glass positioned horizontally on ceramic rollers. The third style is a gas hearth style, which transports the glass in a horizontal position on a bed of gas (at a 5° slope) and moves through the furnace with edge rollers.

Why does some tempered glass scratch?

The majority of the scratches found on tempered glass result from poor glass quality. The surface quality of tempered glass will have a direct effect on the possibility of scratching the glass during cleaning. Low-quality tempered glass has fabricating debris fused to its surface, which at the time of cleaning has a very high likelihood of being dislodged and dragged across the glass surface, resulting in scratching.

Notice in the following photo how each of the scratches has a clear point of origin. This point is the location where a glass particle was fused to the surface during the tempering process. This particle should have been washed from the glass before it was sent into the tempering furnace, but inadequate washing procedures allowed it to remain on the glass.

Defective tempered glass

The following photos are of an isolated defect on a tempered glass sample. The sample was a factory-direct piece of glass, and was not subject to a construction environment. The after photo shows the scratch that resulted from passing a new razor blade over the glass surface. Notice how the point of origin (and therefore the cause) of the scratch is the original surface defect. The black lines on the photos are felt pen markings used to identify the location of the defect.

Single glass defect, before cleaning

Resulting scratch from glass defect, after cleaning

The following photos show a new razor blade before and after it was passed over the surface of a piece of defective tempered glass. Notice the large amounts of fabricating debris present in the after photos.

New razor blade		New razor blade with fabricating debris from defective tempered glass surface
Cutting edge of new razor blade		Cutting edge of razor blade with fabricating debris taken from a defective tempered glass surface

The following photos are magnified images of the fabricating debris from the razor blade in the previous photos.

Isolated fabricating debris taken from a defective tempered glass surface

Isolated fabricating debris taken from a defective tempered glass surface

Where does the fabricating debris come from?

Now that it’s clear why some tempered glass scratches, the next question is “Where does the fabricating debris come from?” To answer this question, we need to look back at how the tempered glass is made. The third step in the process was to wash the glass after it had been sized and ground, but not all glass manufacturers do an adequate job at this step. Most problems in this area are related to the lack of maintenance to the washer and tempering furnace. If the glass washer and tempering furnace are not properly maintained, fabricating debris will build, making them less effective in cleaning and tempering the glass. Due to this, the glass will exit the washer with much of the fabricating debris still present as the glass is sent into the tempering furnace. Once the glass is inside the furnace, the debris will begin to liquefy and fuse itself to the roller side surface of the glass and to the furnace rollers. It is this fabricating debris that causes the poor quality surface and the scratching on defective tempered glass. When a window cleaner removes construction debris from the glass surface, they also remove these defects, which scratch the glass as they’re moved across the glass surface.

Over time, the tempering furnace will also become contaminated with fabricating debris and must be serviced to clean the furnace rollers. To date, washing glass prior to tempering is not required or enforced by any regulation or standard.

Identifying and Tracking Defective Tempered Glass

Due to the severity of scratches related to defective tempered glass it is vital that one be able to identify a batch of defective tempered glass as quickly as possible. There are a few major signs that identify low-quality tempered glass. The first is that scratches related to defective tempering are always widespread on the glass surface, usually covering the entire pane. The second is that scratching will only occur on the side of the tempered glass that was in contact with the rollers in the tempering furnace. The side facing up in the tempering furnace is usually defect free, and will not scratch when cleaned with the same window cleaning tools and techniques.

Tempering stamp

Given the location of the furnace roller relative to the glass sample is so important, it is obvious that a method of determining which side was the roller side is vital. The key to this determination is the tempering stamp. Each tempered glass manufacturer has their own tempering stamp that they put on their glass samples (see photo of tempering stamp to the left). By identifying the location of the tempering stamp, the roller side of the glass can be determined. The important part in this determination is the type of tempering stamp.

There are two major types of stamps used: sand blasted and porcelain. A sand blasted stamp is located on the roller side of the glass and will identify the potentially defective surface. A porcelain stamp is located on the side opposite the rollers and will identify the quality surface.

This is a good time to point out that tempered glass is not always installed in the proper location in a building. Sometimes, with several windows being the same size, they are mistakenly installed in the wrong location. A check for the tempering stamp is the best way to determine if the glass is truly tempered.

How to determine if the tempering stamp is sandblasted or porcelain

As shown above, the tempering stamp holds the answer to which side is the potentially defective side of the glass. However, identifying the stamp side is not enough. The type of stamp must also be determined. The best way to determine the type of stamp is by passing a razor blade over it. If the blade passes over the stamp without any drag it is a sand blasted stamp. Otherwise, the stamp is a porcelain stamp. Keep in mind that some tempering stamps are applied in a mirror image to the surface, and can only be read through the glass, not from the surface on which they are applied.

IG (Insulated Glass) Units

The popularity of IG units has complicated the issues with defective glass as two of the surfaces are always hidden from contact. This often gives the false appearance that the tempering defects are not a consistent problem, as the defective surface is inside the IG unit.

Before discussing the details of IG units further, let’s cover the standard numbering convention used for IG unit surfaces. The surfaces of IG units are numbered 1 through 4. Surface #1 is the surface facing the exterior of the building. Surfaces #2 and #3 are located inside the IG unit. Surface #4 is the surface facing the interior of the building.

Most insulated glass fabricators do not usually track stamps on tempered glass, unless requested for a specific reason. If an application required only high-quality tempered glass, tracking the stamp might then be required. Listed below are some examples of applications that require only defect-free glass, both tempered and annealed.

• Mirrors – The silvering process will show any debris on the surface.
• Laminated glass – The lamination will show any debris between the glass layers.
• Low-E coatings – The coating will show any debris on the surface.

In recent years, Low-E coatings have become a very popular means of further insulating a building (usually the coatings are applied to surface #2 in hot areas and surface #3 in cold areas). In these applications, any surface that could contain defects should be used only as surface #1 or #4. The unfortunate side effect of this is that it forces the potentially defective glass surface to be exposed to the elements, and subjects the window cleaner to the risk of scratching the defective surface during normal construction window cleaning.

WHY is it that some birds can remember months later the places where they stored seeds for the winter and squirrels can remember the locations where they buried nuts, but we may forget where we left our keys an hour ago? Yes, many of us complain of a faulty memory. Yet, the human brain, has an amazing capacity to learn and remember. The secret is to make the most of what we have.

Would you like to enhance your memory?

Memory involves three stages: encoding, storage, and retrieval. Your brain encodes information when it perceives it and registers it. This information can then be stored for future retrieval. Memory failure occurs when any one of these three stages breaks down.
Memory itself has been divided into various kinds, including sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Sensory memory receives information from stimuli through the senses, such as smell, sight, and touch. Short-term memory, also called working memory, holds small amounts of information for brief periods. Thus, we can add up numbers in our head, remember a telephone number long enough to dial it, and remember the first half of a sentence while reading or listening to the second half. But as we all know, short-term memory has its limits.
If you want to store information indefinitely, it must go into your long-term memory. How can you put it there? The following principles will help.
▪ Interest Cultivate an interest in the subject, and remind yourself of the reasons for learning it. As your own experience in life may tell you, when your emotions are involved, you enhance your memory.
▪ Attention “Most ‘memory failures’ actually represent failures in attention,” says the book Mysteries of the Mind. What can help you to pay attention? Be interested and, where possible, take notes. Note-taking not only focuses the mind but also enables a listener to review the material later.
▪ Understanding“With all that you acquire, acquire understanding. When you do not understand a teaching or concept, likely you will not remember it well, if at all. Understanding illuminates the relationship between the parts, knitting them together to form a logical whole. For example, when a student of mechanics understands how an engine works, he will better remember details about the engine.
▪ Organization Categorize similar concepts or related ideas. For instance, a grocery list is easier to remember when we categorize items—meats, vegetables, fruits, and so on. Also, divide the information into manageable chunks of not more than five to seven items. Telephone numbers are usually divided into two parts so that they can be remembered more easily. Finally, it may help to put your list into a certain order, perhaps alphabetical.
▪ Recitation, or verbalization Repeating aloud what you want to remember (a foreign-language word or phrase, for example) will strengthen the neural connections. How so? First, saying the word forces you to pay close attention. Second, you may get immediate feedback from your teacher. And third, listening—even to yourself—calls into play other parts of your brain.
▪ Visualization Make a mental picture of what you wish to remember. You might also find it helpful to draw it or map it out. Like verbalization, visualization makes use of different parts of your brain. The more senses you use, the deeper the information is embedded.
▪ Association When learning something new, associate it with something you already know. Linking thoughts to memories already stored makes encoding and retrieving easier, the association serving as a cue. For example, to remember a person’s name, link it to some unusual feature of his appearance or to something else that will call the name to mind. The more humorous or absurd the association, the better the recall. In short, we need to think about the people and things we want to remember.
The book Searching for Memory states: “If we operate on automatic pilot much of the time and do not reflect on our environment and our experiences, we may pay a price by retaining only sketchy memories of where we have been and what we have done.”
▪ Consolidation Allow time for the information to be processed, to soak in, as it were. One of the best ways to do this is to review what you have learned, perhaps by repeating it to someone else. In that way both of you will benefit—your memory will be reinforced and your friend, encouraged. For good reason, repetition has been called the mother of retention.
Mnemonics—A Useful Tool
In ancient Greece and Rome, orators were able to deliver long speeches without referring to a single note. How did they do it? They used mnemonics. A mnemonic is a strategy or device that helps us store information in the long-term memory and recall it when needed.
A mnemonic device used by ancient Greek orators was the method of loci, or the location method, first described by Greek poet Simonides of Ceos in 477 B.C.E. This technique combines the principles of organization, visualization, and association with something familiar, such as a landmark on a road or an object in one’s room or house. People who use the loci technique go for a mental walk, associating each piece of information that they want to remember with certain landmarks or objects. When they want to recall the information, they simply take that same mental walk again.—See the box “Take an Imaginary Walk.”
Research done on people who ranked high in the annual World Memory Championships found that their superior memories were not due to exceptional intellect. Moreover, most participants were between 40 and 50 years of age. What was their secret? Many attributed their skill to their effective use of mnemonics.

As studies have shown, our memory is much like a muscle. The more we use it, the stronger it gets, even into old age.

ADDITIONAL TIPS
▪ Stimulate your memory by learning new skills, a new language, or a musical instrument.
▪ Focus your attention on the most important things.
▪ Learn mnemonic techniques.
▪ Drink sufficient water. Dehydration can cause mental confusion.
▪ Get enough sleep. During sleep the brain stores memories.
▪ Relax while you are studying. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can disrupt nerve interactions.
▪ Avoid alcohol abuse and smoking. Alcohol interferes with short-term memory, and alcoholism can lead to a deficiency of thiamine, a B-vitamin that is essential to the proper working of the memory. Smoking reduces oxygen to the brain.

Based on information published in the electronic magazine Brain & Mind.

TAKE AN IMAGINARY WALK
How would you remember a grocery list with several items, such as bread, eggs, milk, and butter. Using the loci method, you could “see” them as you go for an imaginary walk through your living room.
Visualize a cushion of bread in the armchair
eggs incubating under the lamp
your goldfish swimming in a tank of milk
butter smeared all over the television screen
The more humorous or unusual, the better! When you get to the store, retrace your mental walk.

BE GLAD THAT YOU CAN FORGET!
Imagine what your life would be like if you remembered everything, whether important or trivial. Your mind would become filled with clutter, would it not? In fact, one woman who could recall practically everything that occurred in her life, “described her constant recall as ‘non-stop, uncontrollable and totally exhausting’ and as a ‘burden,’” says New Scientist magazine. Thankfully, most of us do not have that problem because our mind, researchers believe, has the ability to weed out irrelevant or out-of-date information. “Efficient forgetting,” says New Scientist, “is a crucial part of having a fully functioning memory. When we forget something useful, . . . it just shows that this pruning system is working a little too well.”

Psychological Causes
Sometimes there are hidden motives behind lateness—that of avoiding unpleasant activities, showing one’s own importance, getting attention, or avoiding the need to wait for others.
Dr. Dru Scott comments on an even more subtle cause of lateness: “A salesman who gets himself all set to leave the office on time for an important client meeting turns back at the door to make ‘just one more phone call.’ A lawyer on the way to catch a plane feels compelled to delay her departure by dictating ‘just one more memo.’ They get negative stimulation from this form of procrastination. It automatically creates a need for that exciting last-minute rush.”
Yes, last-minute excitement—though unpleasant—can actually serve the purpose of providing needed stimulation. If you suspect that you may be “addicted” to this kind of excitement, how can you overcome it? Dru Scott suggests: “Stimulation is a basic need, one we all share. It doesn’t show lack of maturity to seek it. Healthy human beings recognize the need. They learn how to take care of it productively.”
In other words, look over your weekly plans. Have you included some positive activities to fill your own need for excitement or stimulation? Or is your schedule one list of monotonous, mediocre routines? Nobody has complete control over his activities, but if you make it a point to provide stimulation where you can, you may more easily tolerate the routine aspects of life without having to resort to lateness to provide excitement.

Ways to Overcome Waiting Until the Last Minute
1. Break large, overwhelming tasks into small doable activities.
2. Take a physical step toward accomplishing a job. For example, if you are putting off reading a book, take the book off the shelf and place it near your favorite reading chair.
3. Make a commitment to someone. Tell a friend or supervisor that you will complete a certain project by a specific time.
4. Give yourself a reward as you complete each stage of a large project.
5. When you catch yourself procrastinating, admit to yourself, ‘I’m wasting my time.’ This reminder can eventually lead to taking control and deciding to stop procrastinating.
6. Consider the price of delay: Will the workload increase? Will the financial cost increase? Suppose you get sick when the last minute arrives? What if the project takes longer than you expected? Might there be a series of interruptions? Will the quality of your last-minute work suffer?—From How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life, by Alan Lakein.